In the wacky world of competitive eating, “reversal of fortune” isn’t a game show – it’s when your hot dogs decide to make a grand re-entrance! At Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, this gastronomic gag reflex can spell disaster.
Major League Eating, the sport’s governing body (yes, it’s a thing), has a rule: if you spew, you’re through! But wait, there’s a loophole! As long as your regurgitated repast doesn’t hit the table, you’re still in the game. They call this the “Roman incident” rule, named after the mythical Roman vomitoriums (which were actually just stadium exits, not puke palaces).
This rule led to some hilarious moments. Takeru Kobayashi, the hot dog hero, once won by re-eating his own expelled food. Talk about recycling! In another contest, he used his shirt as a barf bag. Classy move, Kobayashi!
But in 2007, Kobayashi’s luck ran out when he couldn’t keep his dogs down. Joey Chestnut swooped in, gobbling 66 hot dogs and stealing the crown. Now that’s what we call a true reversal of fortune!
Happy 4th
Sandman
